PowerPoint presentations or overhead transparencies shown on an overhead projector are often used during presentations and the same rules apply to both.
When creating a transparency/slide, pay attention that:
- the font is clear and legible;
- only one font is used;
- the print is large;
- there’s enough space between the lines;
- there’s not much text on each transparency/slide;
- the transparencies/slides are clean with no black toner or copy marks;
- there are enough large, visible pictures, maps and graphics;
- there are only a few different colours and symbols;
- there are not too many transparencies/slides.
Which is better – overhead transparencies or a PowerPoint presentation?
There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Here you will find a few important hints that can make it easier for you to choose between using overhead transparencies or a PowerPoint presentation.
Which form of presentation is right for your needs?
Read through the following points to help you choose.
Overhead transparencies are good if:
- you have fewer than five transparencies to show;
- you want to show or explain something in between showing the transparencies;
- you want to write on a transparency during the presentation;
- you only want to show one picture on each transparency;
- you want to cover and uncover something on the picture;
- you want to share the task in your group and assign one transparency to each group member.
PowerPoint presentations are good if:
- you have a lot of information to present;
- you have a large number of slides;
- you want to show pieces of information one after another on the same slide;
- you want to show something from the Internet during your presentation;
- you want to show a video clip, a digital image or something that has been saved onto your computer;
- you want to use the video at a later point in time or put it together in another way.